James Olan Hutcheson

Founder

James Olan Hutcheson is Founder of REGENERATION. Jim has more than 40 years of “hands-on” family business management and family business consulting experience. Jim offers experience in both the theoretical and practical applications of consulting.

REGENERATION is devoted exclusively to increasing shareholder value and improving communication in family enterprises. Since founding the firm, Jim has advised more than 250 families across a wide range of industries.

Jim’s family has owned and been actively involved in the daily management of two family businesses: Olan Mills, Inc., the world’s premier photographic company, and Peerless Woolen Mills, later a division of Burlington Industries.

Jim began his professional career with Olan Mills, Inc. in 1976 as a part-time telemarketer and resigned his position as President of Olan Mills Studios in 1995 to establish REGENERATION. During his 20 year career with Olan Mills, he developed and led the organization to over 15,000 employees and more than 1,000 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. During his tenure with his family business, the company grew at an annual rate exceeding 27%.

In addition to degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and an MBA, Jim has received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Jim belongs to The Family Firm Institute (FFI) where he has served on the board of directors, chair of the annual conference, and has been awarded Fellow status by his peers. Through FFI, Jim has been awarded the Richard Beckhard Practice Award, the highest recognition for practice within the field of family enterprise. Jim has been honored with the Outstanding Business Leader Award from Northwood University, where he also served as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Governors. Further, Jim and his firm, REGENERATION, have been awarded the Greater Texas Business Ethics Award and were finalists for The North American Business Ethics Award. During his professional life, Jim has served on the board, as a director or advisor, to more than 35 enterprises and as an interim CEO of three successful enterprises.

Jim is a frequent speaker at professional, university, and corporate-sponsored events. Additionally, he has written for numerous publications and has been featured in more than 200 national and international media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, Fuji TV, Entrepreneur, American Way, and Inc. Jim is a past editor of Nation’s Business, Financial Planning, and BusinessWeek.com, and a contributing editor for Family Business Magazine, and Families in Business.

Jim is the author of Portraits of Success: 9 Keys To Sustaining Value In Any Business and The Family Business Road Map To Peace Of Mind. Additionally, Jim has been a contributing author to the Family Business Magazines series of handbooks. Jim and his Partner, Elle Hansen, are working on their latest book, The Top 100 Family Business Quotes of all Time (anticipated 2017).

Jim was recognized as a FFI GEN (Global Education Network) Fellow by the Family Firm Institute. FFI Fellow status was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who demonstrate ongoing expertise and commitment to the field of family enterprise. To be eligible for Fellow status, individuals must complete an FFI Advanced Certificate, be an FFI member for ten years, and present at an annual conference or be published in Family Business Review or The Practitioner.